Max has been moved from Alexandria, Louisiana, to LaSalle, Louisiana. While the Alexandria detention center is right on the grounds of an airport, LaSalle is not. Matt Hildreth of America's Voice shared this news with us saying, "It looks like we might have a few more days. Our work is paying off but Max could still be deported."

Let's appreciate the significance of this--our calls and press advocacy are paying off.

At the same time, Max is nowhere near out of the woods yet. People are working hard on his behalf--lots of people. Besides his lawyers, these organizations are contributing to the effort: America's Voice, Faithful America, Mennonite Central Committee, Church World Service, MoveOn.org, Sojourners, and several volunteer professionals including a top immigration lawyer. Thanks be to God for all these folks and their energy and expertise.

And many, many of you folks from Central Plains have been calling and encouraging others to make calls asking for Max's release. When we hoped for a dozen videos, we got 30. When we asked people to call ICE today, their system was overwhelmed with calls, not only from us but from folks all over the country as a result of the work of the folks above. We plan to continue with the same strategy of calling ICE tomorrow, so if you didn't get through today, you can try again tomorrow.

Also tomorrow is an event in Iowa City planned by the Center for Worker Justice called "March with Max's Family." It will be perfect timing to show our support! Click the link to find out where to go and what to bring. A big show of support will be important. Right now, our strategy is public pressure and prayer.

Shana Boshart

Holly Blosser Yoder

3/16/2015 08:40:20 pm

So grateful for this news! Looking forward to marching with the family today at 4:30!

Esperanza Gutierrez

3/17/2015 02:04:06 am

No es justo its not justics for a pastor to be deported. Why not deported other people that are not suppose to be here. There are some that are still there where you caught Max.

Bring Max Back!

Central Plains Pastor Max Villatoro was deported to Honduras on Friday, March 20 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Max and his wife Gloria are the pastors of Iglesia Torre Fuerte in Iowa City. Join us in prayer that Max can be reunited with his family and congregation, and join us in offering financial support to the Villatoro family.